Instil MAGIC, Lead with PLAYFULNESS

As a child, I used to claim I could cast spells—not just any spells, but magical ones. I’d gather my friends and declare myself a witch—maybe secretly the next Harry Potter.

I wasn’t just playing dress-up; I was stepping into different roles, imagining extraordinary lives, and preparing myself for a life hack: perspective shifting.

Fast forward to today, I still carry that playful mindset, never taking myself too seriously. While many experts suggest humour is the cure for setbacks or trauma, I’d argue it offered me much more than that.

Even though Carnaval is officially over, I like to think I still have a metaphorical wand tucked away, ready to help bring my clients’ dreams to life.

As a coach, mentor, business lecturer & leader, there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping others manifest their potential and realise their vision—like a little magic in action. 🎩✨

My leadership journey hasn’t been about always being serious or getting everything perfect.

Quite the opposite. I’ve learned that life—and leadership—becomes far more engaging when we embrace humour, play, and a little bit of magic.

Because, humour connects us to that aliveness.

Humour & Play – The secret ingredients of Leadership

 

You might wonder, “Humour in leadership?” Well, I promise you, it’s a match made in heaven.

Humour isn’t about cracking jokes during meetings (though, who doesn’t appreciate a good laugh?).

It’s about lightening the mood, making your team feel comfortable, and showing them you don’t have all the answers—yet you’re willing to experiment, fail, and learn together.

Humour creates an environment where creativity can thrive and people can take risks without fear of failure.

As David Whyte said,

“The antidote to burnout is not more hours of work, but more hours of being alive.” 

 - PERSONAL BRANDING EDITION -

Playfulness in Branding

Playfulness isn’t just a leadership tool—it’s a personal branding superpower. When you inject humour and lightness into your personal brand, you allow people to connect with the real you—not just your polished image.

After all and as Maya Angelou’s words ring true:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Playfulness and humour are key tools in making people feel inspired, creative, and engaged.

So, how do you want to show up?

Playful, authentic, and approachable?

Or stiff and perfect?

Leaders who embrace humour and play are the ones who attract opportunities, build trust, and foster deep connections.

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 The Impact of Playful Leadership on Teams

When you bring humour and play into leadership, you create a space where people feel free to experiment, fail, and learn.

Think about Walt Disney—his empire was built on imagination and play. Or Richard Branson, who made risky ventures fun, often with humour.

Play isn’t just for kids; it’s a vital trait of successful leaders who know how to take risks and keep things light—even when the going gets tough.

Humour isn’t just about laughter; it’s about creating a safe space where trust and creativity can grow. Brene Brown, in her book Dare to Lead, reminds us,

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.” 

It takes courage to be playful, to bring humour into the mix, and to remain human when the pressure is on.

Elevate yourself

So, as for me? I’ll keep pretending to cast spells when I need a little extra magic.

But now, I use my playful mindset as a tool to coach and lead with purpose. And yes, laughter and the ability to adapt are essential ingredients to being an extraordinary leader.

Ready to instil more playfulness into your life?

Step into your brand with a fresh perspective, embrace your quirks, and know that people will always remember how you made them feel.

And if that feeling includes a shared laugh or creative spark, all the better.e.

Discover more about Energy Leadership™ coaching, and how I can help you reclaim your playfulness and show up powerfully in your work and life.

Are you ready to get all in and thrive? Reach out to start your energy shift.

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